Best digital converter box reviews

Converter boxes represent the bridge tool between analog television and digital television, widely spread in the past few years. Such a device helps you still watch your favorite TV shows on an older device, but transmitted in a digital, more clearer signal and image. Digital converters are extremely popular nowadays, but finding the right one is not always an easy task. If you don’t have time to search for your own item, the following shopping guide will help you make up your mind easier. In our opinion, the best digital converter box is the Digital Stream Analog because it provides an on-screen electronic program guide support, is capable of receiving MPEG-4 free HD channels, and features a wide series of functions, including a dual language on-screen display menu. If the Digital Stream Analog is not available for sale, we suggest opting for the Pro-Ject DAC Box E as a viable alternative.

Comparison Table

It helps delivering Dolby digital signals over an HDMi connection for clearer, sharper sounds and images. The product provides easy-access on-screen program guide support and is able of receiving MPEG-4 free HDTV channels for an improved multimedia experience.

The product doesn’t come with a HDMI port, so converting your old TV into a clear-image, high-quality device is not possible. You may not receive the digital signal in all US areas.

The product provides overall good conversion and will help you watch your favorite TV shows on a digital, clearer signal transmission.

The product features a low-profile design that can be easily integrated in all rooms, blending in perfectly. You can choose between two different color options - black and white - depending on your preferences. The item provides a substantial upgrade in sound so you can clearly hear everything on TV.

You may not have a good transmission and receiving signal on all rural areas of the United States, so you should try this product first before actually buying it.

Just like the description suggest, this digital transmitter comes for a bargain. It works perfectly, so you should give it a try.

This is a reliable choice for anyone looking to convert digital signal to analog. It comes equipped with several useful features, such as multilingual support, parental control and a wireless remote. You can therefore fiddle with volume and other settings without moving from your seat. RF and RCS inputs are both present for your convenience.

The guide is bare bones and it does not offer plenty of information, except for showing you the program on and the next to follow.

A good quality product that is easy to setup, this model offers exactly what it promises, without any additional bells and whistles.

Buynig Guide

Choosing a good digital converter box could prove quite a challenge, especially since there are so many products available on the market. Unfortunately, most of them come for a quite large price, so it will be even more difficult for you if you’re looking for a bargain. Nevertheless, we consider that a good digital converter box should check a few aspects before being considered a worthy item for your purchase. Read below and find out everything you need to take into consideration when shopping for such an item.

Having an indoor/ outdoor antenna

One of the most important extra features you have to consider is first purchasing a proper indoor or outdoor antenna. This element is essential if you want to have any signal at all. Most of them look the same with regular antennas, the only difference being that they emit a digital sound. You can get one for as little as 10 dollars, but the costs vary massively, depending on the transmission range, and the antenna’s power.

You can also purchase a smart antenna that automatically adjusts its features for an increased signal reception when interference changes. This type of antennas should be taken into account especially by those living in deserted, low-signal areas of the country.

The placement of the antenna

To stress the importance of antenna once more, we consider it is relevant to let you know that position is elementary if you want to have a good signal. We suggest placing the antennas as close to windows as possible, especially for those who live on the ground floor or first floor. You should also avoid placing your antenna near thick brick walls or any other digital device that might interfere with its signal.

The number of functions

The more functions such a box has, the better chance is for it to work on your older TV too. Keep in mind that converter boxes mainly transform the analog signal into a digital one for improved sound and image clarity, but only on those TVs that allow such conversions. However, we still believe that a good converter box should feature a wide array of functions, including the auto-tuning, a program guide support, an on-screen display menu for easy navigation, as well as universal remote control.

Analog pass-through capability

Although most of the TV stations across the world now transmit into a fully digital system, there are still some that maintained a dual transmission, including the analog. The analog transmission is somewhat more sturdy and less willing to fall under severe weather conditions. So, if you still want to enjoy an analog transmission on your older TV, you will require a DTV converter box with such a function. However, we do suggest sticking to the digital system because you will definitely see an improvement in image and sound quality of your favorite TV shows.

Keep in mind that an analog transmission is now possible only on older television devices, as the HDMI, 4K and Ultra HD TVs of our era do not transmit in an analog system anymore.

Budget limitations

Last but not least, the cost of such a box is also an important feature to take into consideration. Luckily, the wide range of products allows for all-pockets satisfaction, depending on how much you are willing to pay for such a device.

Sure, there are some digital converters sold for hundreds of dollars, but those are mainly specific to larger screens and intended for professional use. Most of the current households won’t require improved power digital converters, as the digital signal covers the vast majority of the country.

Top rated digital converter boxes in 2018

Listed below are the models that we consider to be the best currently available. If you’re looking for such a device, you should take a look at our picks and see which one matches your personal needs and requirements.

Digital Stream Analog

You will definitely purchase this item for a bargain and won’t get enough of it. The item provides on-screen electronic program guide support to easily help all users with the installation system.

What we like the most about this product is that it is easily set, without requiring professional assistance in most cases. This converter provides a wide series of additional functions for a full multimedia experience, and a full dialog signal. Some of the most important features of this converter are the auto-tuning, the program guide, and the parental control function which allows you to set up restrictions in viewing certain TV shows or programs on your kids’ TVs.

Pros

The product is sold for a more than affordable price while providing good conversion between the digital and the analog transmission methods.

The dual language (English and Spanish) on-screen display menu makes for easy setup and browsing through the various functions of this converter.

The product will deliver high-quality composite video and will improve the overall quality of the image and sound of your TV shows and programs.

Cons

Some of the people who ordered the device did not receive the universal remote control also, although the package clearly stated that it is included.

Pro-Ject DAC Box E

Although sold for a higher price than the aforementioned item, this converter is worth every penny. The low-profile designs help to blend in perfectly with all furniture types in order to deliver a united overall room design. You can also opt for two basic colors, white or black, depending on your own requirements.

The product provides high-quality digital to analog conversion and is mainly suitable for older TVs.

The low-noise components of this item will provide increased clarity and sound richness to your audio playback. In addition, thanks to the low output impedance, you will not experience interference between pre-amplifiers and cables.

Pros

This item is specifically designed to offer a substantial upgrade of the sound of all digital audio sources, from CDs to DVD players, and everything in-between.

The accurate signal transmission is made through gold-plated RCA terminals.

It is sold for an affordable price and provides the right transition from digital to analog transmission.

Cons

Some of the customers were not entirely pleased with the overall quality and the design of this product, claiming there are other converters within the same price range but with a superior sound quality. You can use it on your TVs, but it is mainly intended for more conventional audio sources.

Zinwell ZAT-970A

There many converter box models available on the market which can set the basis for a vibrant visual experience. According to recent user testimonials it seems that more and more people use the ZAT-970A Digital to Analog TV converter box from Zinwell. This media device can safely support analog pass through.

Furthermore, the converter box can precisely convert digital TV signals and proper media support like multilingual feature, digital parental control and also a reliable remote control. The converter box has a frequency range of 57 to 803 MHz and special video and audio output connections. It weighs less than 1 pound and measures 175 x 135 x 33 millimeters.

Pros

For people trying to learn whats the best digital converter box we recommend the ZAT-970A from Zinwell, a model which can be used to set up analog television with digital programming, making cinematic experiences pretty special

Due to the RCA and RF connection, the device can be used to connect the television with the antenna and thus set the basis for a thriving digital entertainment

Mediasonic HW-150PVR

Discovering the best digital converter box in 2018 requires attention to details since there are so many products out there. It comes as no surprise to see so many Americans have in their homes installed the HW-150PVR ATSC Digital TV from Mediasonic. This high quality device converts digital broadcast to your analog TV.

This device comes with useful parental control function which ensures children don’t access inappropriate content. It includes auto tuning and can stream 1080p high definition video content.

Furthermore, the device offers USB multimedia playing capabilities for a more comprehensive video experience. The converter box also includes timing start up and also shut down.

Pros

As one of the top 10 digital converter box models out there, the HW-150PVR HomeWorx from Mediasonic is a product designed to easily convert digital broadcast to the TV’s analog transmission

Due to the intuitive interface this converter box offers users favorite channel list and an efficient parental control function, for optimal content management

Mediasonic HW180STB

It is important to invest in high quality converter box, designed to offer a meaningful video experience. A top rated digital converter box in 2018 was released by Mediasonic, the HW180STB HomeWorx.

This powerful high definition digital converter box can safely convert over the air ATSC television signals to your home analog TV. Furthermore the converter streams video and audio capabilities to digital TV, computer monitor and also projector.

Due to the smooth HDMI output, the converter box safely support max resolution up to 1080p. As a result, the viewing experience will be in high definition, making movies and TV-shows breathtaking experiences.

Pros

The new product from Mediasonic, HW180STB HomeWorx digital device can be used to precisely convert ATSC broadcast to Digital and Analog TV, helping people create an entertaining home source

Incorporates an advanced USB multimedia player which anyone can use in order to play movies, TV shows or view photos

Due to the advanced system this digital converter easily supports MPEG-1 I and II, MPEG-2/4, Dolby digital audio or H.264/AVC, setting the basis for a thriving visual experience

The unit offers access to parental control function, favorite channel list which makes it easier for people to control content (audio and video)

Cons

Does not come with batteries (these power sources are sold separately)

IVIEW 3500STBII

A good converter box can significantly improve a person’s ability to enjoy different analog programs. Most of the current best digital converter box reviews underline the efficiency of IVIEW Multi-function device. This powerful multimedia device can precisely convert digital broadcast to analog television.

Installing this device in any home ensures proper visual quality during various movies and TV shows played. Furthermore the converter box incorporates HDMI output and delivers QAM capabilities.

The converter box incorporates advanced parental control function and also supports media function, letting people play music and movies. This converter box can also play files from HDD and USB flash memory!

Pros

As the best rated digital converter box from IVIEW, the 3500STBII multi-function model can be used to easily convert digital broadcast to analog based TVs, helping users enjoy without restrictions a long list of digital channels

Due to the interactive electronic program guide (EPG), anyone can control transition from one channel to another

Features auto tuning which sets optimal digital broadcast with minimal interference, letting people enjoy vivid and rich colors during each video played

This powerful digital converter box features a signal quality indicator which displays the strength of data reception, letting users know exactly the state of the transmission

eXuby X3200H

Many converter box units claim to do a lot of things. The eXuby X3200H is among the most versatile models we’ve come across during our entire research.

The product can be utilized with a variety of devices you might have around the house, which may range from projectors to HDTVs. What’s more, its resolution can be customized.

Pros

The eXuby comes with three types of outputs: HDMI, RCA, and coaxial. Therefore, users have the freedom to make it work with various types of devices.

A unique feature of this option is the RECORD/PAUSE mode, which can be activated by pushing a button. If, for instance, the person watching a program on TV has to go to the bathroom but he or she does not want to miss any minute of the show, using the RECORD mode can be of help.

Recording TV shows has never been easier, as the eXuby has a unique Schedule mode.

The resolution of this model can be adjusted and set according to the owner’s preferences. Choose between 1080p, 1080i, 720p and even 565p.

Buyers can get it for the best price on the market as it’s among the top rated digital converter box models under $30.

HomeWorx HW100STB – Not Available

The best digital converter box in 2018 can set the basics for a sublime viewing experience. It is pretty frustrating narrowing regular searches down to a single one given the multitude of products out there. Now, thousands of people use with confidence the HW100STB ATSC Digital converter box from HomeWorx.

This powerful device can convert digital broadcast to any analog TV. Furthermore the converter box features electronic program guide and also full program information.

This advanced media device incorporates favorite channel list and also parental controls especially if there’s a child in the family. Due to the stylish design, this box can be placed in any room.

Pros

Regarded by many as the bestdigital convertor box under $100 from HomeWorx, the HW100STB unit converts without problems digital broadcast to analog TV, helping users enjoy a complete home entertainment source

Features detailed program information and EPG which helps people manage faster content information

Offers useful functions like parental control and favorite channel list which gives people the chance to set boundaries when it comes to video access

Even though by price standards a cheap product, this digital converter is fitted with Emergency Alert System that safely displays emergency info from specific emergency stations

Cons

Some installation is needed but the instruction manual helps out a lot

How to Buy a New Digital Converter Box:

In June 2009, Americans made the transition from analog to digital broadcasting. Those who purchased a television after March 1, 2007 were well prepared for the transition, but others had to purchase a digital converter box. With over 80 approved options, it may be quite difficult to determine which digital converter box is the best one for your needs. We’ve created this buying guide to help make your decision an easier one.

Determine your requirements

If you have cable or satellite services, you are among the individuals that do not require a digital converter box, regardless of how old your television is. This is also the case for those who have a television that is already equipped with a VHF or UHF antenna. If your TV is only equipped for analog and you wish to watch public programming, you will need a converter box.

If you live in a rural area, you will need a box that provides a stronger signal. There are also boxes that are designed specifically for individuals with disabilities who rely on closed captioning. The converter box receives closed caption signals and passes it through the television automatically. It also allows you to alter the way the captioning looks to create a better viewing experience.

Models you should consider

The SPICA At 2018 has been the highest rated digital converter box, due to its visual quality. With audio levels that balance between left and right outputs, it has proven to the best digital converter box for the money. Even though it may overstretch the visual image on new DVDs, it has proven to be the best box for audio and visual viewing of regular programming television. There are still many competitors that may be better suited for your viewing habits.

If your channels are weak, the Zinwell ZAT-970A may be the most reliable option for you. It offers a device that allows you to pick up stronger signals. There are a variety of boxes to choose from and each is designed to increase the quality of your current television. Purchasing a digital converter box is less expensive than buying a brand new television. With the right box, your old television can seem like new with more vibrant picture and sound quality.

When the digital switch initially took place, the government provided coupons for free converter boxes. While they are not very expensive and can range between $30 and $80, there are still ways to save on the price. Many stores offer amazing discounts for Christmas. You can also take advantage of incredible coupons and Black Friday deals.

Things to consider:

If you already use satellite or cable services, you will not need to spend money on a converter box

For those with disabilities, there are many boxes designed for closed captioning for the visually or hearing impaired

Even if you missed the opportunity to purchase your digital box when free coupons were given away, you can still save money with in store sales and discounts

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